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I'll admit to thinking this post is a bad idea, given that it makes broad generalizations about nations and cultures, violates every tenet of sound research I learned in grad school, and opens me up to perhaps strident criticism.
But ...
I'll argue that the frequency of diving in football games increases the further south one ventures in Europe. The Germans, Dutch, Swedes just don't seem to make taking a plunge such a part of their offensive strategy. And the Brits don't seem to much care for it either. In contrast, the Greeks, Italians, and Portuguese fall like they're running around on a hockey rink. It's one of the the things that makes watching Serie A games so frustrating.
I'm making no broader statements here about the character of a culture, willingness to test the rules, etc. It just seems like the dive is more acceptable as a tactic in some countries and leagues than others. Decide for yourself if it's true and what it means.
